A microchip capsule is roughly the size of a grain of rice and incorporates several components to help it do its job. First, the glass material that encapsulates the device is biocompatible. That means it's non-toxic and doesn't hurt the animal's body, so your pet won't experience an allergic reaction to the device after implantation. How Pet Microchipping Works

Question 9 of 10

Microchip implantation is:

a complex procedure that requires surgery.

no more painful that a routine shot.

Some pet owners are squeamish about idea of a microchip implant. You might worry that it will be a painful procedure for the animal. But it's not. The procedure doesn't even require anesthesia (though some vets use a local anesthetic). The pet won't suffer at all from the implantation -- or at least as little as one might suffer from a routine shot. How Pet Microchipping Works

none of the above

Question 10 of 10

How does PETA feel about microchipping?

PETA is in favor of microchipping.

A veterinarian uses a hypodermic needle to implant the microchip, which is why the pain Fido or Fluffy feels is similar to pain of a vaccination shot. And many pet owners agree that the benefits of a microchip far outweigh the temporary discomfort during implantation. Even People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) contends that the pain of the procedure for the animal is minimal compared to the consequences of it getting lost. How Pet Microchipping Works